Planetarium wins the Royal Society’s Young People’s Book Prize 2019

Planetarium: Welcome to the Museum by astrophysicist Raman Prinja and Ilustrator Chris Wormell has been chosen by children as the winning book for the 2019 Royal Society’s Young People’s Book Prize. The prize was awarded at a ceremony hosted by CBBC’s Lindsey Russell at the National Science and Media Museum, Bradford, this afternoon (13 November 2019).

Planetarium, published by Big Picture Press, was selected by a record-breaking number of young judges. Over 10,600 young people drawn from 471 schools and youth groups from across the UK cast their votes for their favourite science book from a shortlist of six titles, chosen by a panel of adult judges, including author Michael Rosen and Royal Society Fellow Professor Sheila Rowan

Chris has delicately designed a stunningly detailed solar system as the cover, illustrating just as brilliantly on the inside with marvelous depictions of planets, stars and moons. – a must for any budding astronomer.

Here’s what adult judging panel member Professor Michael Rosen, some of the young judges, and Chair of the 2019 adult judging panel, Professor Sheila Rowan FRS, had to say about the winning book:

Professor Michael Rosen,said,“Planetariumis a book that takes you into space in a way that mixes art and science. It invites the eye into space and the study of space in what is a distinctive painterly way, full of mood and feeling. Alongside the lush art work, we are given solidly scientific mini-essays for older readers telling us, for example that the ‘Sun wobbles back and forth, due to gravitational tugs mainly from Jupiter and Saturn.’ The Sun wobbles? Really? Yes it does. It’s a great book for peering into and poring over whether as a child, a teen or in groups, schools, or in families. A worthy winner!’”

Professor Sheila Rowan FRS, said, “Planetariumis a truly stunning book that makes science exciting for all ages, blending art and fascinating descriptions to help communicate the wonder of the universe. Its mix of beautiful illustrations and inspiring science makes it a very worthy winner.”

Sam, Centre for Life, Age 9,“It is a really informative book with amazingly beautiful illustrations about the solar system…I think I will plead to my mum and dad for a copy!”

Aberdour Primary School student, Age 11,“There were some very good pictures. It made me feel like I was there, like it was actually happening and I was in the moment.”

Ava, New Ford Academy, Age 11,“We loved this book the most. It is so beautiful and if you are having a sad day it makes you feel better just looking at the pictures.”

Congratulations Chris and Raman!